Biplob Ghosal
Raj Thackeray, who formed the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) in 2007 after differences with his cousin Udhav Thackeray, has many similarities with his uncle Bal Thackeray. The fiery leader has swiftly hijacked those issues which were earlier Shiv Sena`s pet themes and has successfully portrayed the image of the MNS as a party of violent men fighting for local issues.
The seven-year-old party, has strongly supported the cause of Marathi manoos, opposed the influx of migrants into Mumbai. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, The MNS-led by Raj had severely dented Shiv Sena-BJP vote bank and helped win the Congress-NCP alliance.
Raj is no ordinary politician, he not only has the charisma like Bal Thackeary with matching oratory skills. The MNS chief`s move to declaring support to Narendra Modi and putting up Lok Sabha candidates opposite only Shiv Sena nominees - except in Pune, indicates that he is in this for the long run and that his principle political opponent continues to be the Shiv Sena.
The MNS chief`s move is an indication that both the Thackeray cousins are in no mood to reconcile and a neck-to-neck fight will be witnessed in the upcoming polls. The poll results will signal as to who will be the next `Tiger of Maharashtra`.
